A powerlifting pupil at Rydal Penrhos continued his remarkable success at a national event.

Josh Lynch, a Year 8 pupil at the school, came away with gold in his first ever senior competition at the Welsh Open, which was held in Cardiff last weekend.

The gifted 13-year-old won the under 56kg category (all ages) despite competing against athletes vastly more experienced and older, and he turned in another stunning performance to add three more Welsh records to his name.

Lynch broke the snatch record (56kg), the clean and jerk (72kg and total weight (128kg) in what was another outstanding display from the Sale Sharks Rugby Academy prospect, who has been tipped for Olympic honours by coach Harry Mysangyi.

He said: "Less than a month since he turned 13 and Josh banks his first win at a senior level competition in the Welsh Open.

“Amongst a pool of athletes much older, with more experience, he displayed great composure throughout the competition which was reflected in the result.

“You couldn’t have asked for more of Josh in this fantastic performance. It’s been little more than a year since he first picked up a bar, but this was hardly recognisable.

“Josh is already beginning to put the foundations in place, providing he continues to work hard then I have no doubt that a future Olympian is already in the making."

Director of Sport Allen Boyd, added: “What Josh continues to achieve is nothing short of extraordinary, and to win a senior category against grown men at the age of 13 is unbelievable.”